Cold weather introduces challenges that standard packaging isn’t built to withstand. Moisture, freezing temperatures, condensation, and sudden temperature fluctuations can all compromise products in transit. For businesses shipping goods through autumn and winter, choosing the right packaging materials is the best way to reduce damage, protect product quality, and keep customers happy.
Drawing on industry guidance and TEC Packaging’s own product expertise, here are the most reliable packaging materials for cold-weather shipping.
1. Heavy-Duty Corrugated Boxes
For winter shipping, strength and moisture resistance are essential. Double-wall corrugated boxes provide better structural integrity than single-wall options and maintain rigidity even when exposed to cold, damp air.
Why these boxes perform well in cold weather:
Excellent crush resistance for stacked transport
Greater insulation properties
Reduce the risk of collapse caused by humidity or temperature dips
2. Insulated Box Liners & Thermal Protection
Temperature-sensitive goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and liquids benefit from insulated liners or thermal packaging systems. These help maintain a consistent internal temperature and reduce heat loss in sub-zero conditions.
Best used for:
Preventing liquids from freezing
Protecting chilled or ambient foods
Reducing thermal shock on fragile goods
3. Protective Void Fill (Paper, Cushions & Foam)
Cold conditions increase the risk of impact damage due to brittle materials and harsher handling environments. Protective void fill provides cushioning that remains effective even when temperatures drop.
Winter-ready options:
Paper void fill – reliable, sustainable, and not temperature-sensitive
Foam chips – excellent shock absorption
High-quality air cushions – effective if inflated correctly
4. Weather-Resistant Stretch Film
Snow, ice, and condensation can quickly compromise pallet loads. Stretch film provides a protective barrier that resists moisture and keeps pallets stable during cold-weather transport.
Choose stretch films with:
Strong cling in low temperatures
Good puncture resistance
Tight wrap performance for outdoor storage
Blown film in particular retains stretch and cling in lower temperatures, making it ideal for winter conditions.
5. Foam Inserts & Thermal Cushioning
Foam materials maintain their cushioning properties even when the temperature drops, protecting delicate items susceptible to cracking or thermal shock.
Use foam inserts for:
Electronics
Engineering components
Glass and ceramics
High-value items needing vibration protection
6. Cold-Temperature Packaging Tape
Cold temperatures weaken standard packing tape adhesives, increasing the risk of boxes opening during transit. Winter-grade tapes are formulated to maintain a strong bond in cold and damp conditions. Water-activated tape (WAT) is particularly effective, as its starch-based adhesive forms a durable seal with cardboard even in harsh winter environments.
Choose:
Hot-melt adhesives
Solvent cold temperature tapes
Reinforced filament tape for heavy loads
7. Waterproof Labels & Envelopes
Colder conditions can cause labels to peel or smudge. Using waterproof labels and adhesive mailing envelopes helps keep shipping information intact, even when moisture is present.
Reinforce winter shipments with:
Waterproof label materials
Adhesive labels designed for low temperatures
Adhesive mailing envelopes
Cold weather shipping demands a more robust approach. By using stronger corrugated boxes, reliable void-fill options, protective wraps, and cold-resistant adhesives, businesses can reduce winter damage and protect product quality throughout the supply chain.